hump day nuggets: like worms under soil

10 . 20 . 10

hump day nuggets: little bits of the season in photos and words about the last week

I am always especially pensive this time of year. As the effervescent, boundless, boiling energy of summer is reduced to a meditative simmer and, eventually, the flame is totally gone and we are left marinating in stillness. Not that we are ever especially still as far as motion goes. I more just mean that we are still like worms retreating under a blanket of soil. There’s work but it’s cozy and introspective.

I introspect all up in my shit. How many times can one think about the next half marathon they will run or the perfect paint color of their office? At what frequency can one vacillate between big goals and nothing but the moment? Well, I, for one, embrace all this thought and rejection of thought.

:: I think about how grateful I am to work with such inspiring, conscientious businesses through my blog. A big, fat welcome to a new dig sponsor, Feeleez.

Margot love to sort and match the beautifully illustrated cards

We love Feeleez in our home. Feeleez is a toy that encourages Margot to think about feelings, learn vocabulary to articulate her feelings and empathize with the feelings of others. We’ve had Feeleez for a while and we often pull the game or poster out and talk about what we’re feeling or what another might be feeling. Last night I asked Margot if she’d like to find cards that look like what she was feeling. She chose three and said, “I feel a lot of happy.” Now I promise it isn’t always these cards she picks but what a lovely articulation and understanding of her feelings. Seriously, Feeleez rocks. You can buy the game and poster here.

“I feel a lot of happy.”

The entire brilliant system was created by three parents (Natalie, Kris and Nathan). In their own words, “Empathy is the basis for all peaceful interactions. Empathy is the foundation for compassion, which is essential for a well functioning community, whether that is the community of your own home or society at large.” Yep.

***And, this awesome business is giving away two posters and two games! To have a shot at winning a set, visit this page, pick the illustration that most accurately depicts what you are feeling right now and then hop back here and leave a comment about it. Comments will close Sunday night (10/24).***

171 Responses to hump day nuggets: like worms under soil

I really like the Kelly illustration because that is how I really wish I could feel every single day of my life. However, currently at the moment, I’m feeling pretty zen, like Patrick. Which isn’t so bad either.

I’m feeling like Kelly because it is Wednesday, and that means we’re almost at the weekend. We have busy plans with friends and their families to go to a nearby pumpkin patch/apple orchard and just let the kids run wild for the day.

I’m feeling like Uri. I’m a teacher and a mom and wish I could stay home, but thankful for the great job I do have becasue I love teaching Ancient History to 8th graders. It looks he/she is saying…Let’s do this with a clap!!

Ugh…I’m so Emily right now…an unusual place for me to be. Yesterday I came home sick from school (I’m a teacher) throwing up. I couldn’t keep anything down! Today I’m still home, feeling better, but still run down. My beloved kitty Teak had to have emergency surgery yesterday morning because of a blocked urinary tract and he’s still at the animal hospital in critical condition. I’m also a very hormonal 17 weeks pregnant and overall feel like I need a big hug. Instead, I think I’ll take a nap and see if that chases the blues away!

How many times can one think about the next half marathon they will run or the perfect paint color of their office? At what frequency can one vacillate between big goals and nothing but the moment? Well, I, for one, embrace all this thought and rejection of thought.

I am feeling a little like Nancy. Things are not going well for my husband and I and we have an 18mo old as well. i think once he is a little older this could really help him express what he is feeling instead of just having a meltdown. And like you, living in NH, things are definately slowing down here as well. The days are getting shorter and hibernation is setting in

Feeling like Fiona-I love that I get to snuggle with my girl all day every day. It’s what makes me relax and feel “ahhhhh”-calming not stressed-ahhhh, like taking your first sip of your most favorite coffee and you can feel it warm you right down to your soul!

I chose Jenny, b/c to me she looks pouty and I am feeling pouty LOL. Yet very greatful for the chance at this opportunity. What a great idea, this is a really neat idea. Hope you have a wonderful day !!!

Feeling a little like Levi – I think he looks a little shy and introspective. The Feeleez made me thing about making sure to teach my children compassion, am I doing a good job of that, I wonder? Looks like we need Feeleez for real. Where can you buy them?

I am feeling all Ursula when I see your fall pictures….we have no change of seasons down here at the border of Mexico. It’s just summer, summer and a little more summer (with some wind thrown in). I am jealous and not ashamed to admit it. I want fall leaves, I want to see an acorn squash. I’d love to wear a sweater. Ursula, Ursula, Ursula…

Wow, I love these cards! I am a second grade teacher and they would be perfect for my classroom. After a morning of teaching writer’s workshop with my kids, I am feeling a lot like Lisa. Happy, and a little warm and fuzzy, after sitting with kids and conferencing with them about their stories. And I am kind of matching Lisa’s outfit today too. I found your blog through Kelle’s, and I have really enjoyed reading your posts and looking at your amazing pictures. Thanks for sharing your stories with everyone!

The Feeleez are great – I too have an almost 1 year old, and am thinking into the future of how best to guide her to be a compassionate and empathetic individual.

I’m feeling like Tia right now… generally I love where I’m at in life, but the last couple weeks I’ve been feeling pensive and unsure about how my professional self, spousal self, mommy self, and individual self are meshing.

I love the insight you provide in your blog, the reassurance I find in your words, and the comraderie I feel with you that this is right where my family belongs (I’m a fellow Missoulian).

I feel like Patrick, calm and happy, thoughtfull. I agree that fall is a time to think. For me I so often reflect in the fall. The smell of the leaves bring on thoughts of life and what has come and gone. Where I have come from and where we are going.

Oh how I feel like Easter. I am dancing and singing, and loving life right now. Although I felt like Ursula when I woke up this morning, after only 3 hours of sleep, today was the day I met my newest member of my family and I am on cloud nine.

What a fun new sponsor. I have been looking for something like this as my son and I are going through different emotions and feelings to expand his vocab! I feel like Patrick… kind of mellow and calm. I love that you can download coloring sheets from their website. Definitely going to print off some! Thanks for sharing your life. I love peeking in!

This may seem impossible but I feel like Ursula and Esther. Esther is inside partying while Ursula is outside showin’ how tired she is. I know, now I am starting to sound like some wacko. But I am okay with that. It gives you something to laugh about. I am starting my own garden soon (I live in AZ and now is about the only time to plant.) and the excitement and anticipation are building.

I feel like Patrick today. I’m content, happy and calm. You are right about fall being a more introspective time; I’m already feeling it here. Time to stay inside my house, harvesting food and photos and sewing projects. Time to change to flannel sheets and fleece ‘jamas and dig out the bucket of scarves. -Idaho Amy

Today I feel like Patrick. We are weaning from nursing after 23 great months and for the first few days I felt like Tia (not sure *I* was ready to wean, even though my little one was) but today, I’m not sad, not overly happy, but just at peace with it all. This little toy is awesome. I was just discussing w/my husband last night that Empathy is one of the things I want my boy to demonstrate as much as possible. Thanks for all of this. And I mean ALL of it. Your blog rocks my socks.

I’m feeling a little like Wes right now…frazzled. I’ve heard a few people ask me today, “are you okay? You look a little frazzled?”. It’s always something, but reading posts like yours and Kelle’s always grounds me and helps put things into proper perspective. It’s never as bad as it seems in the moment and as long as I have the family and little that I adore…I have it all!

Ruthie….. After 144 hours of call and helping 7 humans into the world and finally truly returning to the bosom of my family and homestead to find a sick partner, a snarfly baby, a stressed-out “my book report is due tomorrow” 11 year old and over-risen sourdough (oops)….this midwife’s first thought was, “seriously?!”. Then, sigh…

Right now I am all about Lisa. I am 9 weeks pregnant with my second child and despite morning sickness and other 1st trimester discomforts, I am just SO blissed-out happy!! Life is good. I have an adorable 3-year-old son who wraps his Pooh bear in a baby blanket to “put baby to sleep.” I have a husband who is just so incredibly wonderful I can’t begin to describe it. And I will be bringing another little life in this world next spring! Your photo about the different personalities of your two girls especially caught me; I can’t wait to see how my son, Gavin, and this little one interact.

Right now, I’m feeling like Ursula. It’s been 8 months since my mother’s passing, I’m at work with nothing to do, and found out my little girl just got poked in the eye at school. That’s not always my typical mood, but right now, nonetheless.

The diaper on darker pink bear is so funny. SOOO funny to me. Some of the pics look like you live in CA. How fun to have Margot picking grapes at the vinyard where you worked and then years later got married. Rubes and her morning schedule, somethings got to give. Your harvest looks great. We got not one squash this year and I really miss it. I bought one from the Gouge and it just lacked taste no matter how much butter I slathered on it. Disappointment. Loved your post once again Nicole. xox

I’m channeling Brooke at the moment. Feeling good, happy, kinda conquer the world feeling. Love it when life is going that way!What I also love is the look on Ruby’s face while Margot is schmooshing her little terrified face!! Ha!

I feel like Patrick! I have lots of exciting things on the go this minute – stew on the stove, pumpkin bread in the oven, scarf on the needles. But I refuse to be jubilant, because my climate does not allow for grapes (or plums!!!), and so this time of year I am always a tiny bit surly about it. but just a bit.

Feeleez is exactly the type of thing I’ve been looking for for my 3 1/2 year old. She started preschool in August and is having some difficulty using her words, rather than her hands, when she wants something. Trying so very hard to teach her to recognize how she herself feels, as well as how others feel. Feeleez is perfect for what I’m trying to accomplish!

Esther, baby! Dancing in my head (and soon to be dancing for real–working on a piece with my mama dancer friend and I can’t wait!). Plus, a cardiology fellow (the first MD to come) came to my “wellness at work” yoga class and then I ran into him in the stairwell and he pretty much jumped into an asana and said he is coming back so yay!

I totally printed out a bunch of these to bring home to my big feeling boy, Avi.

Although, I have been trying a new tactic for his screamy toddler moments and it seems to be working . . .but I think he’ll just love these.

,,,i feel like ruby looks…with her knit cap on, her warm tights, cozy sweater wrapped in her mother’s arms,,,if i had to describe that feeling it would be “autumn bliss”,,,this yummy season is delivering beautifully in the tri-states of md, va, dc and we’re loving every minute!,,,

I love your blog site – and have been enjoying your garden this year along with you. I haven’t done our own, but you are an inspiration!I feel like Nancy today – kind of worried about alot of different things about raising my 5 year old son. I would love to win this prize!Thank you for all that you share and the beautiful pictures of your daughters!Melissa

I feel like esther right now because I am almost done with work and I have a million sewing ideas I want to begin. I found your blog through kelle hampton’s and I love it! Your family reminds me of my own.

Love the thought behind this game… have had many long talks with other moms about how to teach empathy. That it is one of the most important things I want to teach my boys but have little idea of how to do it. Other than by example, of course. But it so much deeper than that, isn’t it? My husband often gets annoyed how I like to “defend the world” but really I see it as having a deep well of empathy. Seeing another person’s perspective, whether we agree with it or not, and walking miles in each others shoes helps to make us all better people.Or is that just the cold medicine kicking in?xoKate

Kelly is my aspirational one, but feeling a bit like good ol’ Nancy right now. As soon as I’ve cleared some big looming, slightly nerve-wracking projects off my plate, Kelly will be my lady. Feeleez looks so awesome…my nephew in Germany (and his mom)would SO love this.

Thankyou soooo much for sharing this game! I know a young man in my family who sometimes has a hard time expressing how he is feeling. The speech pathologist said this is hard for kids because they have to use expressive language. So thankyou, thankyou. I’ll be checking out thier website a little further.If I had to pick one of the characters and how I feel it would be Ester. She looks chipper and ready to go, and overall happy.

I feel like Cassandra because it’s 5:53, my dinner date is late, he’s not even a real date, I’m on my 3rd americano with no food, and my eyes are all crazy.

I really love your photos because they portray temperature like none others. The warm lobby of a hotel with jammied babies running around, the sharp, frosty air of a Montana autumn. Throw in some colors and textures, and your photos are nearly edible!

I’m feeling very Emily right now. It’s been a long week and I’m only 2 days into my 4 day work/school week. :/I’m missing my kid as I haven’t worked more than 3 days a week since he’s been born, 20 months ago, and am now working and going to school basically full time. The weekend is coming, just have to keep my eyes on the prize

I am feeling Fiona. My husband is away on business which is a good excuse to snuggle with the kids in our bed. My 2 year old is sleeping to my far right and looking so content and beautiful it kills me, his 3mth old sister is sleeping to my immediate right all snugglebugged on her side and about 20 minutes ago let out her first real giggle in her sleep. I’m feeling sentimental and in love with the beauty of what it means to be a family.

love the feeleez! I’m feelin’ Esther right now, because I just ordered a gift set of feeleez for a friend… now if I win this, I won’t have to buy a set for my Ruby (she’s 4, we love looking at pictures of your Ruby!)

“I am always especially pensive this time of year. As the effervescent, boundless, boiling energy of summer is reduced to a meditative simmer and, eventually, the flame is totally gone and we are left marinating in stillness.”

Nici, this is SO me, my thoughts, my feelings at this time of year. In fact just the other day I was gazing out my back window at the half green, half brown leaves and imagining the landscape a couple of months ago, vibrant and green….and then flashed to how it will soon look, so dead and gray…everything seems still and time seems to slow in such an odd way, the complete opposite of the clock we live by in summer.Anyway, geez I never intend on leaving the novels for comments!

I clicked on this morning but didn’t have enough time to stay and figure this out. Back now, and feeling like Lisa. What a great way for little ones to express their feelings, thoughts, etc. Obviously, it’s good for grown-ups too. Loved the nuggets, as usual. Ruby~oh, she’s getting so big. xo

I feel like Brook, because I just read Kelle’s blog and then yours and I can’t think of a better way to end a night with two new awesome posts from my favorite bloggers. As the Mom of 3 boys who I want to teach to have empathy and understand their feelings, I am loving Feeleez – thanks!

Whew! I oh so badly want to feel like Kelly and in a way, of course, I do. I have so much to dance around about but at the moment, I feel like Casasndra…just finished painting a house, trying to get organized to move into said house, job interview tomorrow, lists and lists and lists and work 36 hours between Fri, Sat and Sun….my eyes look just about like Cassandra’s do at the moment. It’s all good and soon, very soon, i will be kelly!

I’m feelin a little Ruthie-ish today. Made a choice in a situation that didn’t end up the way I wanted it to. But what’s life if we don’t take chances right? Waitin’ for a Fiona day soon. Love love love your blog.

Ah, it’s peaceful and quiet and early in the morning, so I don’t have the energy of an Ester right now. Let’s go with Patrick. Very cool game.

I feel for you as it relates to your garden and having a sense of being cut off; but I use this time to clean up and plan for next year. And I’ve said it before, next spring I’m ripping out a bed of perennials (ok, I am moving them…ripping sounds so permanent!!) for a veggie garden. It will be a great experience for Alex and me. So this winter…time to read and learn for once about veggies. And thanks for inspiring me.

I feel like Lisa – whose face looks calm, confident and like she knows something that other’s don’t quite know yet. Her arms are wide open ready to experience it all and take whatever may come her way.

I work with college students and I think Feeleez might even help them raise their emotional intelligence a few notches :o)

I am a kindergarten teacher home sick with no voice today, so I am identifying with QUENTIN.

Thanks for reminding me about Feeleez. I would love to use this with my students. I think it would be especially wonderful to have available in our ‘calming chair’ area–the place in our room where students go voluntarily or by request to recharge themselves. i would love to extend the self-reflection part of this area to include this emotional intelligence piece.

Feeleez are great! My mother-in-law does counseling with children and uses these a lot.

I feel like Lisa. My crazy work week is over and today is the first morning of my “weekend”, my favorite time of the week. A very full three days is stretched out before us and I am ready to take it all in! We kicked the weekend off with a whole morning of hugging and reading to my 16 month-old daughter.

Three cheers to a better garden next year! My semi-virgin harvest was pretty pathetic. All we managed was some lettuce as it was one of the foggiest, coldest summers on record here in San Francisco. Thank goodness for all the awesome farmers markets!

Esther had me at “hands in the air”! I want to crank up the music in my heart and dance my tushy off with my favorite kiddos in the whole wide world while they are still little enough to dance with me and not think I am totally crazy…because I am choosing to reject thought right now and dance…

I think that today I am feeling a little “SUE.” She looks slightly stressed out, yet not completely overwhelmed. I’m just getting over being very ill, coming back to work, dealing with my adorable son who has turned two and is exhibiting his “independence.” I’m stressed, but not sooo stressed that I can’t see the joy in the things in my life!

On a side note, I would LOVE the Feeleez for my son. If I don’t win them, I think I’ll buy them for him for Christmas!!

i feel like sue.. so incredibly overwhelmed right now, and pretty much at a breaking point. therefore, i have retreated to a peaceful place. reading my favorite blogs so i can get back to feeling like brook, the superstar. because that is my anthem!

I feel like Ruthie – a bit frustrated and tired of trying to sell my house. Sometimes inside I feel like Margi looks. But I really want to be like Esther, Brook or Kelly (who I am, when I am not this crazed house selling lunatic.)

I am so buying my kids this… no matter what. I love the idea. Great idea!!

I am most definitely a little Wes this morning. However, I can smell my morning coffee brewing so in mere moments I will be Kelly, maybe even Esther prancing around my kitchen. Love Ruby’s eyes in the close up of her in the toque…a beautiful blue!!

I currently feel like Kelly. My life is so amazing right now! I recently got married to my soul mate, I got to be in my best friends wedding, and I got an awesome deal on a hair cut today! Goooo Life!!

I found you through Kelle’s blog…have read you for about 2 months and tell my husband everyday that I think I need to move to Montana. I’m currently feeling just like Quentin. I just ate a HUGE peice of chocolate fudge cake. Then, I went and ate a peice of cake that I put aside for my husband. I wish I hadn’t done that but at the time it was oh so good! I have a daughter (1 of 3) that could benefit from this game. LOVE your blog…thanks for writing!

Feeling “Nancy” at the moment, anxious about a dear friend starting a battle against breast cancer, and big changes in a job I love. But a weekend with my family should bring back more of my “Lisa.” Love, love, love the Feeleez. Wonder if they could teach my (wonderful but repressed) in-laws to talk about emotions

Bottom row, 5th from Right – red hair.That is my feelez right now. I am just dancing it up. Trying to dance with my obligations – to my boys, my husband, my father who has cancer and my mother who has to help him thru it, my sister who is newly pregnant, my job as a NICU nurse, my home that we are refinancing. And that is is – lots of dancing around to get it done. To be to the place where I want to be – dancing in my kitchen to MJ (michael jackson) with my husband as our 2 boys laugh and dance along.

I’m psyched to say that Lisa jumped off the page in her groovy little way, right in my direction! She seems pretty content with the way she’s rolling, with a mellowness I continue to cultvate. Perhaps it’s because I had such a lovely lunch date today! Perspective is everything…

I love to scroll through your post and just look at the photos; then go back and read. Your photos alone tell a beautiful story!

Margot~I do believe fun follows you everywhere you go! I would love to be on the receiving end of some of your smushed love right now! Can you believe your Bacca wore that same reindeer sweater when he was you age?! I Love You A Bushel & A Peck!

Ruby~I don’t know how it’s possible…you get cuter everyday! Now if you could please wake with the sun instead of before it…You Are My Sunshine!

I’m feeling a whole lotta Patrick right now! I’m sitting peacefully in my house, looking out the window at the changing leaves and feeling like I could stay here all day with my tea and my toddler (who is napping, which is why I’m peaceful). Love this game.